ROLE OF AYURVEDA IN PRECONCEPTION CARE

Abstract

Conception or fertilization means the fusion of gametes to produce a new organism. Preconception care is an opportunity for couple to improve their health before they start trying for a baby. It involves finding and taking care of any problems that might affect the couple and their baby in future. The American college of obstetricians and gynaecologists recommend that all health encounters during a woman’s reproductive years, particularly those that are a part of preconception care, should include counselling on appropriate health behaviours to optimize pregnancy outcomes and prevent maternity mortality. “What you do before pregnancy is just as important as what you do during pregnancy”. To prepare for the best pregnancy possible, preconception planning is essential and may reduce the risk of adverse outcomes such as birth defects, miscarriage and preterm delivery. Ayurvedic texts have very systemic description of various facts responsible for better progeny like-prescribed dietetic regimen for both partners, mode of life and unvitiated qualities of Shukra, healthy Garbhashaya and unvitiated Shonita for conception thus ultimately a better offspring. Ayurveda gives immense significance to the preparation of both partners prior to conception. This article describes that how Ayurveda plays an important role in preconception care.